If your horse is afraid of needles or injections, pulling away, barging over handlers, or even rearing or striking, I can help.
It's hard having a needle-shy horse. You worry that they won't be able to receive needed medical care, such as vaccines, sedatives for a dental procedure, or even emergency treatment. You might also feel frustrated, embarassed, or even angry when they behave this way, and you sense that your horse is struggling too. You worry that others will be hurt if you don't do something. Or perhaps that's already happened.
You love your horse, but not this needle-shy behaviour. You realize you need to take action, but generic online advice doesn't sit right with you. You worry it will make the problem worse or harm your relationship.
The good news is, it doesn't need to be this way - for either of you.
Through my online services, I can help you understand why your horse is needle-shy and how to change it, using low-stress, effective techniques that enhance your relationship and strengthen your bond.
Thank you for your interest. I'm not currently taking new consulting clients for needle-shy horses, but an online course to help you address your horse's needle-shyness using low-stress, effective techniques is actively in development.
If you'd like to be notified when it launches, send me a message to be added to the list.
Why choose me to help
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When horses are needle-shy, the stakes feel high. You worry about the safety of handlers and your horse, and what might happen in an emergency. You also sense that your horse is stressed, too.
Early in my career, I was taught that needle-shyness was about the horse being silly or a lack of handler leadership. Typical advice focused on just “getting it done.”
Over time, I learned that this perspective didn’t capture the full picture. Needle-shyness often has multiple causes, including past experiences, restraint procedures, and how injections occur. When I relied on force or suppression, I missed underlying factors and often made things worse.
With more experience and specialized training in clinical animal behaviour, I now approach needle-shyness differently. I focus on addressing root causes, and using low-stress, evidence-based techniques. This way, necessary care becomes safer, the horse’s welfare is protected, and lasting progress is possible.
"Lauren's advice was clear, actionable, and easy to understand."
"Our conversation made me feel confident about safely taking the next steps towards helping my needle-phobic mare."
Erika S. & Juno